Lancaster HARB recommends approval to replace storefront window at 307 South Lime Street

The Lancaster City Historical Architectural Review Board recommended that Lancaster City Council approve a certificate of appropriateness to replace an existing multi-light picture window on the facade of the commercial building at 307 South Lime Street with a continuous aluminum storefront window.

The board's chair (name not specified) said the HARB is a recommending board whose actions are forwarded to City Council. HARB staff member Suzanne reviewed the proposal and said the existing multi-light picture window was installed in 1979 and that the building was originally constructed about 1925 as a garage or auto repair shop. Suzanne said there was prior water damage around the existing window that has since been repaired and that rust on the interior is visible from the exterior, which was a reason for replacement.

Suzanne told the board the proposed storefront window is "an appropriate modern alteration that is more in keeping with the building's form and style" and that the proposal meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards numbers 2, 9 and 10. The chair read the formal motion recommending City Council approve a certificate of appropriateness for the work "to replace an existing multi light picture window on the facade of [the] commercial building with a continuous aluminum storefront window to feature a dark bronze finish per the submitted proposal." A HARB member clarified that the vendor quoted a finish to match the building's existing bronze color but that the installed finish would be black; the board treated that as a clarification to the application.

Board members asked whether a future change in signage would require separate review. Suzanne said that small interior decals would not be reviewed by the board, but mounted wall or bracket signs would require separate review and that such signage would go through zoning as well.

The board moved and carried the recommendation by voice vote; no individual vote tallies or recorded names were provided on the record. The recommendation and accompanying materials will be forwarded to Lancaster City Council for final action.

The board also noted the applicant's stated reason for replacement (visible interior rust from prior water damage) and documented that the building's historic use related to a tin shop and early American lighting reproductions, but that the current storefront proposal was judged compatible with the building's utilitarian form.